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I order at least a couple varieties of seeds from Seed Savers every year--this year no exception. They have items that I haven't seen in other catalogs. Last year I tried the ground cherries (yum!) and this year I'm giving Sunberries a try. Shipments have always been quick, and germination very good.
Enjoyed the catalogue. I like that they post a picture of each type of plant. Prices and shipping are in the middle of the road.
Received my order in a reasonable amount of time. Was missing an item, but the order form told me it was out of stock. Received a refund check in the mail a couple of days later.
Germination rates are good. Seed packets are very informative. Will order from them again.
On Apr 6, 2009, goofybulb El Paso, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:
First time ordering from SSE, it happened about 10 days ago. I am impressed at the wonderful variety they have, all heirloom/open pollinated vegetable seeds. I was very excited to see that they carry a Romanian heirloom bean that I've been longing for. Reasonable prices, fast shipping - my seeds arrived within 1 week from ordering. Great quality too, all the beans are sprouting already! I will definitely order again.
I ordered seed potatoes this spring - 5 different varieties. When my shipment arrived, there were only 4 - beautiful!!! However the 5th variety was missing, I looked at the invoice expecting that they were sold out (even though I had ordered last fall) but the invoice showed that I had been charged for these non received potatoes. I have called and left 2 messages and sent 2 emails, but no response. I have been very happy with previous orders and this company's mission, but am greatly disappointed at this situation.
Thanks to poor planning on my part I hadn't ordered any Amish Paste tomato seeds for this year. It's getting late so I rumaged around in my old seed box and came up with some of yours packed for 2006. 3 out of 5 are already up. Wow! That's better than some other brands that are packed for this year. I'm impressed.
On Jan 24, 2009, jerrygarden14 Chula Vista, CA wrote:
They always offer a decent selection of popular heirloom vegetables. Have ordered a few times and had nice results from their seeds with pretty standard (good) germination. Most certainly a good source for heirlooms. I'd love to visit their farms, maybe someday!
SSE has a little higher prices than some of the other catalogs, but they offer heirlooms that can't be found anywhere else, which makes the price more than worth it. I ordered a mixture of seeds and potatoes from their website this January, and they shipped the seeds promptly. The potatoes of course won't ship till March planting-time. The seeds arrived in less than a week, which is pretty impressive for cross-country shipping.
SSE has one of the best online ordering systems I've seen anywhere, and many of their seeds include seed-saving information right in the description.
On Jul 21, 2008, prairiedoc Morris, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:
I spent ten years getting hooked on heirloom vegetable varieties at farmers' markets; when I moved to a small town and couldn't get those varieties anymore, I figured I'd just have to grow them myself. It was a real treat to get the Seed Savers catalogue and find so many old favorites, not to mention discover dozens of varieties I'd never heard of!
I bought seeds for direct-sowing outdoors (I'm not yet set up to do indoor seed-starting), and the germination rate has been impressive given the cold, wet spring we've had, not to mention my own inexperience. I particularly enjoy explaining the unusual varieties of potatoes and winter squash to my friends and neighbors.
I doubt I'll ever become a member of Seed Savers Exchange -- I like growing too many varieties of things to maintain pure strains! -- but I'm deeply grateful that there's a catalogue available to non-members and that I can still support the work they're doing in some small way.
On Jun 13, 2008, Luv_Perennials Cincinnati, OH wrote:
I have placed relatively small orders with SSE over the years and have loved the selection, information, and quality of seed. For the past two years I have purchased a few live tomato and pepper plants. Each year I have had excellant results with these very healthy plants, and very tasty produce. The first year, two of the tomato plants looked like they had gotten too hot in the box and would not make it, but after a few weeks languishing, they began to grow and produced well. I plan to continue to order from SSE, and may even join one year.
On May 28, 2008, d_montaigne El Cerrito, CA wrote:
I ordered online in late April (seeds and seed potatoes) and received all my seeds within the time period stated on SSE's website. The seed potatoes came a little later than expected, but it worked out because I was behind in preparing my "potato box." I have nice potato leaves coming up and have started to hill the potatoes. Seedlings of direct-sown seed are also up; I have hope that this year I can eat some real meals from my (small) garden!
Just completed this year's order with Seed Savers Exchange, which prompts me to extol a too-often overlooked virtue: An easy to use Web site. This is especially important to me since I have an elderly computer and creakly old dial-up Internet service. Never have I experienced a Web site as easy to navigate as that of SSE. Online ordering is a joy. And, of course, the seeds are to die for, especially the tomato and pepper varieties. Heartily recommended. Oh, and any garden lover definitely should take a pilgrimage out to Decorah, Iowa, at least once. The SSE farm is a wonderful place to see.
On Feb 21, 2008, sunkisst Port Saint Lucie, FL wrote:
IMHO,this is a wonderful organization with a great philosophy. As a past paid member I took advantage of the vast and sometimes unusual selections available through fellow members always experiencing a pleasant exchange. However, I did have some germination issues occasionally when ordering through fellow members. This was more than made up for by the generosity and good spirit of the members at large.
As far as ordering directly through SSE goes (no membership required), I have had deliveries that seemed a little on the slow side but I would certainly still recommend them.
I have had ordered seeds online and bought them at the visitors center in Decorah, Iowa. All of their seeds have performed very well, from tomatoes to melons to flowers.
We are fortunate to live only 2.5 hours from Decorah, and try to make the pilgrimage to Seed Savers once every summer. It is a beautiful area and there is so much to do and see.
On Jan 29, 2008, Gardengirl1204 Richmond, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:
After reading about Seed Savers here on DG, I checked out their site and ordered 6 packets of seeds. Their communication via email was first rate and the delivery was fast. The seeds were packaged nicely! Highly recommend!
I ordered seeds from SSE and they arrived promptly, were well packed and had colorful packaging with good planting instructions. The selection is good, but I thought the seeds were a little pricey at $2.75 per packet; however they still were not overly expensive.
Ordered seeds this year and last, they arrived in a timely manner. Seeds are great, selection wonderful. Love the catalog and the history behind where seeds were obtained. My favorite so far!
On Jul 10, 2007, asl5 Ardmore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote:
I've ordered from SSE for years and have always been pleased with my interaction with them. I've purchased vegetable and herb seeds, as well as tomato plants, garlic and potatoes. I've been very happy with everything. The plants have arrived in great shape. I also LOVE their catalog -- it is a real treat whenever it arrives.
On Mar 21, 2007, DawninTx Nevada, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:
I've ordered flower seeds from Seed Savers for the last three years and have always had a good experience. Seeds arrived promptly and planting instructions were printed on the packages. Some seeds that I have tried include hollyhock, cleome, moon flower, morning glory, bunny tails, and more. I ordered seeds for Corkscrew vine, package of five seeds, and all germinated. This year ordered corkscrew vine seeds from another vendor, also sent five seeds, I had no germination.
This year I am trying tomatoes for the first time. I ordered Brandywine and Beams Yellow Pear. Again, germination was excellent, and the seedlings all look strong and healthy.
On Jan 11, 2007, lafko06 Brimfield, MA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I ordered their garlic variety pack in the fall. I was impressed with selection, quality and condition of the package. I already have 6 inch shoots and I'm looking forward to fresh garlic in the summer. I was so impressed, that I recently bought a membership too.
On Jan 9, 2007, blumenlieber vancouver, WA (Zone 8a) wrote:
first time order; very impressed by the selection, the generous amount of seed per package, and the detailed cultivation information on each package. I will definitely order again in future.
First, I have been very disappointed with the poor germination rate of their seeds. Second I ordered prairie plants from them and was told today that they would not arrive until the middle of next week, meaning they would sit in a UPS truck over a hot, 3-day weekend. Thier rationale is that being prairie plants they are tough enough to handle anything as they should be dormant. I don't understand how any plants, much less prairie plants can be dormant at this stage of the growing season.
On May 12, 2006, adadia Glenmoore, PA (Zone 6b) wrote:
Last week I ordered 12 tomato, pepper and ground cherry transplants from SSE, and they arrived today in excellent shape. Their packaging is phenominal; UPS left the package upside down on my doorstep, but it didn't make any difference-all of my transplants were still firmly in their pots with all their soil still in the pots with them, and nothing broken. The transplants themselves are robust and healthy. I ordered these from SSE because it was pretty late and other places had already sold out of the transplants I wanted, but next year SSE will be my first choice.
On May 5, 2006, DCUrbanGardener Washington, DC (Zone 7a) wrote:
I have placed two separate orders of seeds, and three separate orders transplants from SSE. Very impressed with how friendly and helpful their customer service is. The many seeds I ordered have since sprouted; about 85% germination rate.
The three transplant orders are 1 group of pairie plants and 2 groups of tomatoes & peppers. Out of the 6 pairie plants, one was a little immature to be sent (I thought they had been hardened?) and didn't make it after it was put in the soil. The others were fine, although one is showing signs of stress.
One group of tomato and pepper transplants look fine; still waiting for another group to arrive next week. Will update when that comes.
On May 12th, 2006, DCUrbanGardener changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
The second group of heirloom tomato transplants arrived. They all look healthy. I checked the soil, and it is not too dry. As per usual, the packaging is superb.
On Apr 6, 2006, beaker_ch Columbia Heights, MN (Zone 4a) wrote:
I placed an order with SSE and received in about a week. Seeds nicely packaged. Also bought a seed growing reference book and just love it. Will purchase from them again.
Placed order online and rec'd email confirmation promtly. Rec'd seeds within about a week and a half. I believe in what they are doing, so I am willing to pay $2.50 for a packet of 25 tomato seeds because I think it is important to have people dedicated to seed preservation.
On Feb 26, 2006, melody Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote:
I've been an SSE member for several years now and decided to try the retail side of the company this year.
I renewed my membership on line and placed a retail order. My Yearbook came promptly when it was supposed to, and my seeds followed shortly.
Everything was packaged beautifully and I love the ease of the website for placing orders.
I would not be without my SSE membership, as I believe in what Kent Whealy is doing with all of my heart. Even if I could not garden for some reason, I would still be a member to support the organization.
On Jan 27, 2006, jasmerr Merrimac, WI (Zone 4b) wrote:
I have purchased seeds and plants from Seed Savers (Madison, Wisconsin store) for more than three years now. I have always been very pleased with their seeds and plants. My only complaint...since the Madison store closed I'll have to mail order or drive to Decorah!
On Jan 7, 2006, taynors Urbana, OH (Zone 5b) wrote:
I am new to gardening and i am glad to here all the positive feedback on this company.
I love their catalog!!!!!!!!!!!! I look at it all winter long and plan my garden. It is good to know that their is a great company. I have ordered seeds and thier transplants and have very good luck. I even had to return some seeds because i was so excited i didn't realize i had to much. NO problem in the return. Very friendly.
taynors
Great company to deal with, have had no problems with any of the seeds I have ordered and they have a wonderful selection. Customer service is great, kept me well informed when one item was delayed and I received it much faster than the expected delivery date. Will do business with again this year.
I joined seed savers exchange this year, it was money very well spent to say the least. Their year book is fantastic, it takes hours to look through all the facinating tomato varieties that members offer, that plus the great selection in their catalog gives a stagering number of choices.
I ordered seed from them for the second year and was pleased with how the order was handled. Seed germination was good considering our growing season got off to a bad start with3 weeks of cool damp weather, they did very good considering the difficult growing season
I will be doing business with seed savers from now on, between them and baker creek seeds, and seeds of change I have fantasic resources for heirloom seed and information to add to my knowledge to be the best grower possible.
Seed savers exchange deserves full support for a true and honorable endeavor to save our seed heritage.
On June 9th, 2005, seedsaver56 changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
On Mar 26, 2005, onalee Brooksville, FL (Zone 9a) wrote:
Shipping and communication from this company is a bit slow, but the seeds I received were as described, well packaged and **most important** all germinated! Reasonably priced, too. Overall, I would recommend them.
On Mar 24, 2005, MadGecko13 Corpus Christi, TX (Zone 9a) wrote:
Wonderful. Wonderful seeds, wonderful packaging, wonderful instructions, just wonderful! Even had an addressing issue for a gift and the customer service person was wonderful about it! I'm looking at my big, strong tomato seedlings now and am quite pleased.
I love this company as much as I do Baker Creek! Placed my order on the website and it arrived within 9 days. The order was correct and properly packaged. I really enjoy receiving the catalog and browsing the website throughout the year because they give wonderful information for each item. I've ordered from SSE twice and I'll keep ordering for future gardening.
GREAT company and wonderful customer service....very knowledgeable and helpful! All I grow is heirloom and it is due to this company and Baker Creek that I am also an organic grower :)
My 10 yr old and 4 yr old love the SSE catalog so much I have to put it up out of reach so I can look at it before they cut the pictures out to compare our plants with the pic's!
I've been a member for years and also order from the catalog. This is the place to go for heirloom seeds. All the seeds and tomato transplants that I've ordered from their catalogs have been excellent quality, 100% germination for seeds and healthy strong tomato plants!
I'm absolutely captivated by many of these varieties- 'Noir des Carmes' melons (I didn't know that I wanted to grow melons until I saw this picture and read the description), then there are the tomatoes, and the lettuces... ah, yes the lettuces! They are gorgeous and delicious!
We are very fortunate that so many people around the world have kept so many of these treasures to pass on and that this organization exists to pass on our gardening heritage!
It is also VERY important to me that the companies that I order from have signed the safe seed pledge. Way to go!
On Feb 21, 2005, nevadagdn Sparks, NV (Zone 7a) wrote:
I placed an order for seeds and transplants online. The seeds came quickly--nice selection, btw. I'll report back when the tomato plants arrive in May.
On May 16th, 2005, nevadagdn added the following:
I received my tomato plants today. They were perfectly packaged, the soil was still a little moist, and the plants were in excellent shape. I look forward to experimenting with tomatoes!On July 31st, 2005, nevadagdn added the following:
The tomato transplants have grown rampantly, and I Have Tomatoes! Okay, so they are still green except for a few cherry tomatoes, but I have tomatoes!
